A History of the United States from the Colonial Period through World War 1

First. We have written a topical, not a narrative, history. We have tried to set forth the important aspects, problems, and movements of each period, bringing in the narrative rather by way of illustration.
Second. We have emphasized those historical topics which help to explain how our nation has come to be what it is to-day.
Third. We have dwelt fully upon the social and economic aspects of our history, especially in relation to the politics of each period.
Fourth. We have treated the causes and results of wars, the problems of financing and sustaining armed forces, rather than military strategy. These are the subjects which belong to a history for civilians. These are matters which civilians can understand—matters which they must understand, if they are to play well their part in war and peace.
Fifth. By omitting the period of exploration, we have been able to enlarge the treatment of our own time. We have given special attention to the history of those current questions which must form the subject matter of sound instruction in citizenship.
Sixth. We have borne in mind that America, with all her unique characteristics, is a part of a general civilization. Accordingly we have given diplomacy, foreign affairs, world relations, and the reciprocal influences of nations their appropriate place.
Seventh. We have deliberately aimed at standards of maturity. The study of a mere narrative calls mainly for the use of the memory. We have aimed to stimulate habits of analysis, comparison, association, reflection, and generalization—habits calculated to enlarge as well as inform the mind. We have been at great pains to make our text clear, simple, and direct; but we have earnestly sought to stretch the intellects of our readers—to put them upon their mettle. Most of them will receive the last of their formal instruction in the high school. The world will soon expect maturity from them. Their achievements will depend upon the possession of other powers than memory alone. The effectiveness of their citizenship in our republic will be measured by the excellence of their judgment as well as the fullness of their information.

Contents:


PREFACE
THE GREAT MIGRATION TO AMERICA
COLONIAL AGRICULTURE, INDUSTRY, AND COMMERCE
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROGRESS
THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLONIAL NATIONALISM
THE NEW COURSE IN BRITISH IMPERIAL POLICY
THE FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
THE CLASH OF POLITICAL PARTIES
THE JEFFERSONIAN REPUBLICANS IN POWER
THE FARMERS BEYOND THE APPALACHIANS
JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY
THE MIDDLE BORDER AND THE GREAT WEST
THE RISE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SYSTEM
THE PLANTING SYSTEM AND NATIONAL POLITICS
THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION
THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTH
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREAT WEST
DOMESTIC ISSUES BEFORE THE COUNTRY (1865-1897)
AMERICA A WORLD POWER (1865-1900)
THE EVOLUTION OF REPUBLICAN POLICIES (1901-13)
THE SPIRIT OF REFORM IN AMERICA
THE NEW POLITICAL DEMOCRACY
INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY
PRESIDENT WILSON AND THE WORLD WAR
TABLE OF PRESIDENTS